[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E401-E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2002

  Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Greek 
Independence Day. Greece and America have remained allies since America 
aided Greece in its struggle for independence 180 years ago.
  Americans have celebrated our connection with Greece throughout our 
history. Because of the many contributions from Greece and Greek-
Americans, President George W. Bush declared March 25th Greek 
Independence Day.
  Our nations share a strong common belief in democracy. The ideologies 
of ancient Greeks became the backbone of our Declaration of 
Independence. And, in turn, our beliefs were displayed in their 
declaration of freedom from the Ottoman Empire.
  Greek culture has given us more than our form of government. 
Buildings and memorials in Washington, D.C., and around the country, 
including the Capitol building and the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, 
are modeled on the Greeks' own exceptional architecture. In addition, 
our culture has been shaped by ancient Greek philosophy and their 
approach to science.
  In recent history Greece has been 1 of only 3 nations that have 
allied with the United States in every major international conflict. 
During World War II, 600,000 Greeks gave their lives in the fight for 
freedom. For more than 50 years, Greeks and Americans have had the 
privilege of working together in NATO.
  Greek-Americans have made many contributions in American communities. 
Greek-Americans commonly establish communities to maintain awareness of 
their cultural heritage, provide opportunities for social interaction, 
while preserving Greek language and traditions for future generations. 
Additionally, the

[[Page E402]]

investments that Greek-Americans have made in the business community 
are unsurpassed. Through the utilization of the American tradition of 
small, family owned businesses the Greek-American community has 
prospered.
  Madam Speaker, the eighth congressional district of Maryland, which I 
represent, has a large population of Greek-Americans. I am proud of the 
many contributions that they have made to Montgomery County and our 
nation. I join them in celebrating Greek Independence Day and urge my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the achievements of Greek-
Americans.

                          ____________________